We're the team to beat - Inter boss Cristian Chivu sends warning to Serie A rivals

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has issued a defiant message to Serie A rivals ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. After securing the club's 21st league title last season with an 11-point lead over Napoli, the manager is fully prepared for the challenge of defending the Scudetto.

With rivals like AC Milan, Juventus, and Como making significant moves in the market, Chivu remains focused on his own squad's development.

We're the team to beat. We're still missing a few pieces, and we still have a few weeks to get ourselves into the best possible shape for the opening league match. Cristian Chivu

To support their title defence, Inter have added new players such as John Stones and Aleksandar Stankovic to the squad. Chivu noted that the primary focus during pre-season has been maintaining player fitness and integrating new arrivals, highlighting the lack of physical setbacks as a major positive for the coaching staff.

Inter will play their final pre-season friendlies against Juventus and Real Betis before officially opening their Serie A season at home against Monza on August 22. This match will serve as an immediate test of the team's ability to handle the pressure of being the championship favourites.